Social Work, M.S.W.

The Masters of Social Work (MSW) is offered as a collaborative Program with Middle Tennessee State University and Austin Peay State University.

Mission

The mission of the Mid-Tennessee Collaborative Master of Social Work Program, is dedicated to the enhancement of human well-being, diversity, and social justice through developing and improving systems of public social services, especially for children and families, by offering graduate training in Social Work with a hybrid model of delivery. The purpose of the Mid-Tennessee Collaborative Master of Social Work (MTC-MSW) Program is to prepare students for Advanced Generalist Social Work Practice with systems of all types and sizes in both rural and urban areas; to prepare knowledgeable and competent professionals; and to provide leadership in the development of social delivery services, especially public social services.

Program Goals

The goals of the MTC-MSW Program emerge directly from the defined mission, the character of the region to be served, and the body of social work literature on the efficacy of the advanced generalist model for professional social work practice. To fulfill the above mission, the six goals of the MSW program are:

1. To prepare a diverse student population for advanced generalist social work practice based on professional values and ethics to serve client systems of various sizes and types.
2. To promote the development of social policies and services to reduce the impact of poverty, oppression and discrimination.
3. To develop analytical skills and critical thinking that will encourage active participation in the development, evaluation,and improvement of social work knowledge and skills through research aimed at advancing social work practice.
4. To promote the development of a multiple theoretical orientations applicable across system sizes.
5. To provide an understanding of diversity and cultural competence with an emphasis on social justice, empowerment, and improving the well-being of people.
6. To socialize students to the profession of social work and the organizational environment through evidenced based practice.

Admission Requirements

Students must first be admitted to the Graduate School/College of their home campus. The minimum GPA for admission to the foundation (two years) program at TSU is 2.75. All application materials are submitted directly to the TSU School of Graduate Studies and Research or their selected home campus. The application will consist of:

1. A completed MSW Application Form which includes an essay.
2. Three (3) letters of recommendation from professionals who can address the applicant’s interest in social work; their potential for successfully completing a Master’s program; and potential for professional social work practice.

Students applying for Advanced Standing must have completed a Bachelor of Social Work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their undergraduate course work.

Degree Requirements

The program structure is as follows:

Students may attend either full time or part-time. Full-time foundation (two years) students will complete the program in two years. Part-time foundation (two years) students will complete the program within four years. Full time advanced standing students (one year) can complete the program in one year; part-time will take two years. Students may also choose a combination which will allow them to complete the program in three years.